Sunday, 21 August 2011

Eastern Gray Vale was dominated by three petty kingdoms: Orlbar, Llorkh, and the realm of the Mountain King centred on his fortress at Ogremouth. In M1 1483 DR an invasion of frost giants in service to the Fey Clenderi 'Queen of Cold' ravaged the eastern Gray Vale. The Realm of the Mountain King was crushed and Queen Valeris of Orlbar perished in battle. In the aftermath the expanded Queendom of Llorkh dominates the eastern Vale, with Queen Esmerelda now ruling the former Mountain King and southern Valeris territories, while the Light of the Sun Order under Mistresss Emesha controls a rump territory around Orlbar.

Early in 1474 DR the warrior-woman Valeris and her companions, the Silver Swords, overthrew the Temple of Bane-Iyacthu, and freed the small town of Orlbar from their tyranny. The surviving Banites fled far north, into the wastelands along the Delimbiyr River known as the Black March. Valeris cleared out the Temple, refortified it and named it Castle Valeris, then proclaimed herself Queen and carved out a dominion incorporating several settlements along the eastern Grayflow River. Her realm currently includes Erstlin, Brightwater, Malwych, Greystone and Redar, with a total population around 5,500. Valeris has proven a strong and aggressive ruler, and has won several skirmishes against the rival forces of the Mountain King and the Bandits of Llorkh. In 1476 DR she personally slew the Bandit King Gulthog Half-Hand on the banks of the Grayflow. Gulthog’s successor King Boris proved much more amenable: though neither ruler trusted the other, they allied to keep trade flowing and curb the expansionist desires of the Mountain King.
The greatest of Valeris’ companions was Jaryn (1445-1479), a holy Paladin of the Sun God, Amaunator, and founder of the

Light of the Sun Temple Knight

Amaunite Order called The Light of the Sun, which has their main temple in Orlbar. However, recently Orlbar’s northern borders were again troubled by Banite fanatics known as The Hand of Naarash. In 1478 DR Jaryn led four of the Light of the Sun's best warriors north against the Cult's hidden fortress, the Pillars of Night. None returned. Two more strike teams failed, but on 24/8/1479 the Burning Hand adventurers penetrated the temple of Naarash, slew the cult leader - revealed to now be Jaryn himself - and destroyed Naarash, ending the threat.
Valeris' master crafters can produce level 6 (+2) masterwork armour, weapons and implements, using Irondawn steel and local Darkwood. Valeris is commonly accompanied by two heavily armoured elite Royal Guards equipped with masterwork plate armour and glaives. Valeris has a Sword Coast accent, and bears a noticeable resemblance to the bard Esmerelda of Waterdeep, Queen of Llorkh, her half-sister by the same Viklund pirate chief.
In M1 1483 frost giants invaded the Gray Vale, Valeris was killed battling a giant riding a Nyfellar Mammoth.Characters
1. The current (l479+ DR) leader of the Light of the Sun is Mistress Emesha, a female Cleric of Amaunator (slim, dark haired, greying in 1483). She is regarded as fairly competent, though not very powerful. She knows Religious/Healing rituals to 10th level.
2. Toruvas, an Eladrin Twilight Incanter from Evereska, is now the last remaining other member of Valeris' old adventuring party the Silver Swords, and acts as warden of Castle Valeris. He knows Arcane rituals to his level, probably 10th.
3. Mikos Kessel (1423-), very fat, balding. Mikos is the owner of the Orlbar One, Orlbar's only real Inn. He has a large family with six buxom daughters and is the father of Alauna Kessel (see Timbervale), although his wife Mira (1428-) is oddly skinny. She tends to stay in the kitchen.

BARONY OF DETREVANI (VASSAL TO LOUDWATER)

Erstlin pop: 300 (was 500). SACKED BY GIANTS M1 1483 DR. Now part of the Barony of DeTrevani, vassal to Loudwater.During summer and autumn the Delimbiyr just north-east of Erstlin runs across gravel beds about 4' deep, and can be forded.
Ruler: Sir Dolf Dragonheart (E10?), Paladin of Torm. Married to the Lady Amara deTrevani late 1481.
Other Characters: Father Orien (E4), Priest of Bahamut, was killed by frost giants M1 1483 DR.
Erstlin is a newly-palisaded (M8-12 1479 DR) village on the western frontier of Orlbar territory, 18 miles from Castle Valeris and close to the eastern border of Loudwater's demesne. Much troubled by raiders from the Hand of Naarash, at the end of M8 1479 DR the paladin of Torm Dolf Dragonheart accepted the entreaties of the people of Erstlin to become their liege, to protect and continue rebuilding the village. With permission from Queen Valeris of Orlbar, Dolf became Sir Dragonheart of Erstlin, to build a manor there, and in time he and the Bahamut Cleric Orien founded a temple-monastery dedicated to both Torm and Bahamut, to train a new generation of heroes against the darkness. Sir Dolf's first act was to settle two dozen refugees he had escorted from the Black March in some of Erstlin's abandoned farmsteads. By mid 1480 the Seminary is training almost a score of Clerics & Paladins dedicated to Torm and Bahamut, including the sons of Sir Harvarr Quortath whose manor lies to the west of Erstlin in Loudwater Domain.In M1 1483 DR Erstlin was sacked by a force of giants, killing Fr Orien and the sons of Sir Harvarr among many others. At the time Dolf was with his wife and daughter at Castle deTrevani. After the war Dolf set about rebuilding the shattered village and seminary.DOMINION OF LLORKH (ESMERELDA QUEENDOM)

Llorkh

Notification!

The Army of Llorkh, would like to announce its intention to puts itself out to Tender. We are now a mercenary band of warriors, with training and ferocity beyond that of anything else you will find. Consisting of mainly goblins, we will work for precious metals only, no local currency accepted.

On 23/10/1479 Esmerelda of Waterdeep, believed to be the prophesied 'Bane Child' who will usher in the 'Age of Bane',lead the Banites under Kitana (1458-), Boris' daughter, to overthrow Boris' rule and install herself as Queen Esme of Llorkh. While Boris ultimately survived, Esme has used the Banites to eliminate the Severed Eye Orc outposts to the south and aid the Glintshield Dwarves, and the Royal Treasury to embark on a major program of building works. Esme quickly took young Sir Galtos, the son of Lord Sevrym of Timbervale, as her prince-consort.

Jonas Sylverman, Esme's Wizard

1480 DR: Kitana and her elite Banite cadre have won many great victories for Esmerelda against seemingly impossible odds, attracting many more Banites to serve, and offering further evidence that Esme is truly the prophesied Bane Child. Meanwhile Esme has put her people hard to work rebuilding Llorkh. Notably, she has reopened the iron foundries, allowing for the export of smelted iron ingots rather than than bulk ore. This and her iron-fisted rule has earned her the moniker 'The Iron Queen'.23/8/1480 DR Queen Esme gives birth to healthy twins, a boy and a girl. She names them - Boy : Quartermain Tirios (Marsh). Girl : Lirael (Valeris) Arya.
M1 1483 DR: A large army of frost, hill and stone giants under the direction of Clenderi Queen of Cold crushed the Mountain King and attacked Llorkh, but was defeated by the defenders under the leadership of Ser Kitana, leaving many dead before the walls. Kitana subsequently led the army of Llorkh joining with the Tigerclaws under Konn and the Army of Loudwater under her father Boris to a great victory over the giants. After the war the Queendom expanded greatly, incorporating the Mountain King territories and former Orlbar territory south of the Grayflow.

waiting. She is very shy and retiring. She is learning flute-playing, drums, and Bardic rituals (level 1) from Queen Esme.
2. Her brother the Prince Consort Sir GaltosSevrym (1460-) is a bold young knight, he fell in love with and is
Prince-Consort to Queen Esmerelda of Llorkh from M10 1479.
3. Currently (ca M6 1480 DR) the best warrior among Esme's non-Banite bandit-types is the handsome one-eyed archer Vilkar. A roguish type, Vilkar was a bandit and river pirate in the central Gray Vale ca 1477-1479, before he joined Esme's forces M3 1480. He claims he lost his eye to the Cyricist priest Vale 'in an argument over a girl'. Kitana doesn't trust him.
4. 23/6/1480Jonas
Sylverman, 27, a Human Wizard cousin of
Lirael who has been studying in Waterdeep and
traveling the Sword Coast for the last 10 years, enters Esmerelda's service as her Magist.

Kitana, scrubbed up & with makeup

5. Ser Kitana, daughter of King Boris, Esme's right hand. Kitana is a very powerful warrior, and leader of the fifty-strong Banite Cadre. On morning 24/6/1480 Kitana left Llorkh with a squad of Banites, on a mission, returning evening 28/6/1480 after gaining the Goblins of Korzzbad and sacking Rensard Manor! M1 1483 DR Kitana led the successful defence of the walls of Llorkh against the attacking frost, hill and stone giants, killing several personally.6. Lady Jaela Rensard, captive. L12 Warlock from 28/6/1480 - see Loudwater NPCsEsme assigned her to assist Jonas Sylverman in the Vlakos Tower, still shackled with manacles and a lead-lined collar that suppresses her spellcasting but still allows Ritual usage. Jonas found her a white shift to wear.

Lady Jaela Rensard, prisoner of Llorkh

7. Red Bart of the Pale Minnow: This
unscrupulous red-bearded river merchant got his start in Orlbar, when it was
ruled by the Temple of Bane-Iyacthu (to 1474 DR). He traded in slaves with the
River Pirates, the Bargees, and others such as Zark the Half-Dwarf, often
selling mine-slaves and harem girls to the Bandit Kings of Llorkh, first
Golthog Half-Hand (to 1476 DR) and then King Boris (1476-1479). In 1477 DR the
Bargee chief Bolchana Arkwright tried to sell her stepdaughter Maggie to him.
In mid 1479 DR the Burning Hand caught
him loading Zark’s barrel-slaves at Loudwater Docks – he had more slaves on
board, bound for Zelbross.He was
captured after a fight, found guilty of accessory to kidnap, and sentenced by
Lady Moonfire to 10 years’ servitude in the Llorkh Iron Mines, but King Boris
soon found out and freed him. He laid low in Llorkh awhile, until Esme the
Usurper seized power there (she being one of those who had captured him), then
resumed his trade as a river merchant, with a new Pale Minnow. He now avoids Loudwater, where he’s subject to arrest
to serve out the remainder of his gaol sentence. Rumour has it he’s now
dabbling in piracy along with some of Vilkar One-Eye’s old crew.

Dajani, 'The Darkblade'

8. Dajani: Tiefling Darkblade, fanatical Banite, Jaryn's former Lieutenant in the AmauniteLight of the Sun, and then fellow convert to the Hand of Naarash. Last seen 1479 DR at the Pillars of Night on the steps of the Temple of Naarash, where he alerted the cult to the presence of the Burning Hand, who then destroyed Naarash. That winter he had, he claimed, a vision of Bane as he lay near death in a cave on the Black March. In early 1480 DR he served the Mountain King, Oro Loroth.
On 2/7/1480 he pledged allegiance to the Bane Child, Queen Esmerelda of Llorkh. M1 1483 Dajani aided Kitana in driving back the giant army from the walls of Llorkh.

Marsh's Place - Tavern in Llorkh

Marsh Laval

Marsh Laval arrived in Llorkh with his cousins early M8 1480 DR to open a new tavern in the newly restored city, based on the old Green Regent in Loudwater but adapted to the new clientele.Marsh Laval: Middle-aged Halfling, former proprietor of the Green Tankard tavern, clearly very fond of Queen Esmerelda of Waterdeep.Brenda & Wanda Laval: Marsh Laval's cousins, these sturdy, middle-aged Halfling sisters are the cooks at Marsh's Place. Their 'human style' food is greasy but tasty.

Llorkh Pre 23/10/1479:After decades of misrule much of the once-large town of Llorkh now lies in ruins, but the city retains its importance in commanding what is now the only bridge over the Grayflow River. The Bandit Kings of Llorkh extract a heavy toll on trade flowing along the Dawn Road. King Boris however has somewhat curbed his followers' tendency to raid and pillage. A powerful warrior who reveres both Tempus and Bane, he has pretensions to being a legitimate ruler, but is concerned by the expanding power of the Mountain King. Boris is rumoured to have Zhentarim connections, some say that a functioning Portal to the Zhentarim stronghold of Darkhold still exists in Llorkh, and that Zhent Black Sun Adepts have been seen in the city. In M9 1479 Boris purged the Zhentarim Cyricists, but one Black Sun Adept, Vale, escaped back through the Portal in the ruined temple of Bane. Boris' magist Olaris Vlakos sealed the portal prior to his death at the hands of the undead ogre king Koptila in the catacombs beneath Llorkh (M10 1479).

Ancient Llorkh: During the time of Ammarindar (-4100 to 882 DR), modern Llorkh was a dwarven town named Grayford, commanding the river crossing as it does today. For millenia the dwarves buried their dead in the catacombs here. Before even the dwarves, their ancient records say that an Ogre Kingdom flourished here, vassal with many other giant races to the Primordial Earth Titan, Stonefang.

IrondawnPop. 800. Rulers: Town Council.
Irondawn is a large, fortified human village on the Dawn Road, known for the very high quality of the iron ore in the nearby mines, which can be used for the finest weapons and armour, though the local blacksmiths can make few such. Irondawn pays occasional tribute to the Bandit Kings of Llorkh. In recent years the Mountain King has also sought to demand tribute, rumour has it that the free men of Irondawn have been paying off both masters.
M4 1480: Kitana and the Banites of Llorkh rescued the blind daughter of the headman of Irondawn from Grell kidnappers in the Tomb of the Blind God, cementing Esme's influence over Irondawn.
M1 1483: Irondawn has fallen to the invading frost giants of Clenderi, Queen of Cold, who wiped out the inhabitants.

Timbervale

Lord Tirios Sevrym of Timbervale

Pop. 700 (25% dwarf, 74% human), plus 75 militia with Prince Galtos at Llorkh.
Resources: market (trade via Stonefang Tunnel to Clan Glintshield), timber, pig herding, local mines, mostly copper and some gold.
Ruler: Lord Tirios (L5, DR 1420-) & Lady Sevilla Sevrym (DR 1428-), aging human aristocrats. Their daughter Princess Sevilla (DR 1457-) and son the Prince Consort Sir Galtos (DR 1460-) (both supra) are now in Llorkh at the court of Queen Esmerelda since late 1479 DR as the Queen's husband and lady-in-waiting, along with 75 Timbervale militia known as the Pig Guard. Esme pays the Pig Guard well, and this money has helped enrich Timbervale as much as has the renewed trade through Stonefang Tunnel.

A small community of loggers, farmers and miners eight miles by road from Llorkh, Timbervale was once a wealthy small town through trade through Stonefang Tunnel with the Glintshield dwarf clan, the guardians of the Vale of Naurogloth (Bleached Bones Pass) which of old marked the southern limit of Ammarindar. A century ago the Glintshields fell into disastrous civil war, some say a madness induced by the Spellplague. Since then Timbervale had declined. Timbervale's lord pays tribute to the kings of Llorkh. The small (ca 25 strong) Jozan dwarf clan mine for gold two miles north of Timbervale. Being short of dwarf-wives, some of the Jozan males have married human women, and the current generation includes several half-dwarves.

Alauna Kessel

In M10 1479 the new Queen Esme of Llorkh took Sir Galtos of Timbervale as her consort, and with the re-opening of the Stonefang Tunnel to Bleached Bones Pass and the Glintshield Dwarves, Timbervale's fortunes look set to improve. In M3 1480 DR the newly refurbished Timbervale Inn was reopened under the ownership of the enterprising Alauna Kessel, and soon enjoyed a thriving trade.Timbervale Notable NPCs
1. Alauna Kessel (1453-), buxom, raven-haired. Owner of the Timbervale Inn from M3 1480. An enterprising Innkeeper's daughter from Orlbar, she saw an opportunity when news reached Orlbar that the Stonefang Tunnel was open to trade once more. Alauna is assisted by three equally buxom local tavern wenches who cook and serve. She is rumoured to be seeking a husband to assist her in running the Inn, and seems to have a liking for Dwarf men.

M1 1483: The Shadowed Chain commander Serka led the Glintshield Dwarves and local men in successful defence of Timbervale against a zombie horde, aided by Dunstan Ironforge.

From his fortress at Ogremouth, the sinister dwarf warlord Oro Loroth, known as the Mountain King, commands forces of Orcs, Gnolls and other evil humanoids. He has enslaved all the farming communities along the River Loagrann, the humans and halflings now labour to produce grain and meat for the hungry gullets of the Mountain King's monstrous troops. The Mountain King also has small numbers of tough Loroth Clan dwarven warriors, as black-hearted as their liege, and mercenaries of many other races. The ancient fortress of Ogremouth itself was built by the Ammarindar dwarves, but was sacked by the Tanarukk demon orcs of Hellgate Keep, and lay in ruins for centuries. Reoccupied and rebuilt by the Loroth, a band of evil dwarves, about fifty years ago (ca 1430 DR), it is now a haven of scum and villainy that puts Llorkh to shame.
The Mountain King is also rumoured to be associated with a cabal of evil dwarven warlocks known as The Nameless, who once numbered the fell Draighdurroch amongst their number. NPCs 1. Lord Ablair Loroth: spiky red-dyed hair and beard, fat, weird look. The King's first cousin, one of the Nameless Cabal, the loquacious Lord Ablair is an inventor, alchemist, warlock and emissary for his liege.2. Nightshade: Adult black dragon, former leader of the 'Poisoned Shadows' Shadar-Kai assassins, who murdered the Vice-Patriarch of Bahamut in Waterdeep at the behest of the Ashmadai. In 1479 DR Nightshade slew two heroes of Bahamut and the warrior Karvol in the sewers beneath Llorkh, then took the Ammarindar Plates to the Mountain King, subsequently entering his service.In M1 1483 DR the Mountain King's realm was overrun by invading frost giants from the north under the leadership of Clenderi, the Fey 'Queen of Cold'. Survivors fled or submitted to the invaders. Stone Cult traitors opened the gates of Ogremouth to the attackers. King Loroth and Lord Ablair escaped via a secret exit and fled south to seek sanctuary with Queen Esme in Llorkh. Nightshade joined with the Heroes of Loudwater in a raid which killed Clenderi in her ice tower atop Ogremouth, ending the war.FREE ADAKMI

Adakmi
Pop. 408 in 1483 Rulers: Town Council.
Forces: 70 militia
Characters: Glasur (E1), Dwarf 'Moon Boat' pilot
The bright twin of Ogremouth, the citadel of Adakmi lies at the Shining Falls, a great waterfall on the Delimbiyr, where it exits the northern Graypeaks. She was built long ago by Ammarindar (-4100 to 882 DR) dwarves in partnership with the wood elves of Eaerlann, and shows the influence of both races. Adakmi once marked the southern edge of the wood elf Kingdom of Eaerlann (-4700 to 882 DR). Sacked by demon orcs during the Hellgate War (882 DR), much declined and partially ruined, the citadel still serves as a haven and local trade centre for the goodly races, with a mixed population of several hundred dwarves, halflings, humans, elves and half-elves. In recent years Adakmi stood fast against the Banite raiders of The Hand of Naarash. In M5 1481 an earthquake opened a rift to the Splendarmorrn vaults, allowing something evil into the town.

NPCs

Glasur (E1): Dwarf river-boat captain, based in Adakmi. His craft, the last 'Moon Boat' of ancient Eaerlann, is called Blacksnake. Pulled
by giant pike, it plies the rough waters of the northern Delimbiyr
river above the Shining Falls. Glasur is heavily muscled, he always
wears a flat cap.

The Black March
From Adakmi on the Shining Falls, the trail known as the Black March runs for over a hundred miles north through rough upland territory just east of the upper Delimbiyr river, to the Moonsfall Mountains - a spur of the northern Graypeaks south-west of the Far Forest. There the Hand of Naarash had their lair, in an ancient temple known as thePillars of Night.

Ruins & Dungeons

Tannheim
The lost dwarven forge of Tannheim is only legend. Possibly a surviving dwarf-hold of Ammarindar, some say the Tannheim dwarves allied with demonic forces, and were destroyed by such centuries ago. From 1479 DR Tannheim is occupied by forces of the Mountain King.

Wyvern Mountain
This wyvern-haunted peak lies on the Smugglers’ Road between Ogremouth and the mining village of Hali, in Mountain King territory. Some say it was once the lair of a great white dragon; others that a red dragon can sometimes be seen flying over the peaks.

The Tomb of the Blind God
Rangers from Irondawn speak in hushed tones of a sinister cave complex set in a high cliff six miles from the town. A palpable sense of evil permeates the area. Carvings of hideous and alien design decorate the entrance, while none who have ventured further had ever returned until it was successfully penetrated by Kitana and the Banites of Esmerelda, who rescued the blind daughter of Irondawn's Headman from Grell in M4 1480 DR.

Serka, Vice-Commander of the Shadowed Chain

The Glintshield DwarvesStonefang Tunnel, Vale of Naurogloth, Bleached Bones Pass & Citadel Yaunaroth
Dominion Confidence Level: Healthy (+4%)
Population ca 800
Forces ca 300 (many young)
The ancient giant-built Stonefang Tunnel runs some 25 miles south beneath Mount Stonefang to the ruined dwarf citadel of Yaunaroth, which sits on the stony northern slopes of the Vale of Naurogloth, known latterly as Bleached Bones Pass, which runs from the north-eastern High Moor up into the southern Greypeaks and over the mountains into the Fallen Lands at Dekanter, an ancient Netherese mine-complex.

Stonefang Tunnel, northern mouth

According to legend, mighty Yaunoroth was built around -1000 DR to defend the southern approaches of Ammarindar from the perils of the High Moor, and at her peak had a population of 5,000 dwarves, including 2,000 warriors. In the end she formed her peoples' last defense against the Tanarukk demon orcs which had destroyed Eaerlann and overrun Ammarindar from the north. Princess Olmma led the defense of Yaunaroth in 883 DR, her sister Queen Helmma having fallen at Adakmi on the Shining Falls in 882, and she held the fortress long enough for most of the dwarven refugees to escape to southern climes - the bones of the stragglers and last defenders give the pass its name. Naurogloth Vale then lay empty and orc-infested for some three
centuries, until the Glintshield dwarf clan re-occupied and refortified
Citadel Yaunaroth ca 1180 DR. They thrived until about a century ago,
driving back the orc clans, but then the Spellplague brought madness and
civil war, and fresh dwarf bones soon littered the Pass. The survivors
retreated to their deep delves high in the mountains above the Vale.

Harvak, the Thane Glintshield

Yaunaroth, North Gate

Recently the Glintshield dwarves have re-emerged and again attempted to re-occupy part of Citadel Yaunaroth and re-open the Stonefang Tunnel. They faced bitter opposition from the orcs, including the powerful Severed Eye clan (1479) but as of 1480 DR have re-established control of Yaunaroth and Stonefang mountain; the Severed Eyes (ca 1,800) have been driven south.
27/6/1480: Queen Esme sent a polite letter to Thane Harvak, calling off the meeting that would have created an alliance between Llorkh, Orlbar and the Glintshields at Shieldmeet 31/6/1480. Notable Glintshield Clan Dwarves:
1. Thane Harvak: (1182-) ancient Leader of Clan Glintshield, white beard
2. Grunhild (f): Harvak's elderly First Wife, white beard
3. Beryl (f): Harvak's younger Second Wife, brown beard, grey streaked
4. Prince Thorvil: (1295-) Harvak's son by Grunhild, elderly with grey beard
5. Rangrim (1390-) Son of Prince Thorvil, Grandson of Thane Harvak: black beard, grey streaked.
6. Commander Duggin: (1402-) tenacious new (1479) leader of the Shadowed Chain cult, succeeding Gwendar (RIP 1479). Bushy red beard
7. Vice-Commander Serka (f): (1450-) Serious young Deputy Leader of the Shadowed Chain. Blonde, beardless. Serka's men (3): Oin, Thoin, Glori, all new (1479) recruits. Oin at least has a great liking for human women.

The Shadowed Chain
Dwarves of the Shadowed Chain wear grey cloaks. Their skin is tattooed (not normally visible). They are required to remain unmarried, though not chaste.Standard disposition: 20 at full strength. 4 at Timbervale Inn, to keep an eye on local events. 2 sentries at north mouth of Stonefang Tunnel, with alarm horn. 8 at the Gate House just north of the great stone gate, 12.5 miles into the tunnel. 4 at hidden locale south of the Gate. 2 sentries at south tunnel mouth above Citadel Yaunaroth, who alternate their 8-hour watch with 2 sets of Glintshield clan dwarves.

Severed Eye Orcs:
1. Queen Msuga(f): Supreme Warlord of the Severed Eye, Bloodspear Clan
2. Rohka the Blood Witch (f): Msuga's Twin Sister and High Shaman of the Severed Eye
3. Sub-Chief Hyrkzag Dragonskull, leader of the Severed Eye Dragon Clan, who are pacted with Icefang the White Dragon. In 1479 Hyrkzag survived battle with the Burning Hand adventurers.
M5 1480 DR: The Severed Eye Orcs sustained heavy losses in battle with the Glintshield Dwarves and Esme's Banites under Kitana. In 1480 DR the Glintshields then joined with the Shadovar of Prince Melagaunt to root out the remaining orcs. Orcs fleeing west from the Vale of Naurogloth were intercepted by the Korzzbad goblins of Delderosh. By end M9 1480 DR the Severed Eye orcs were believed extinct. Delderosh sent Esme the severed heads of Msuga & Rohka as a naming-day present for her children.

The Ironforge clan were once famous smiths and armourers in the ancient Shield Dwarf kingdom of Ammarindar, which ruled the Graypeak Mountains for millenia until swept aside by the Tanarukk Demon Orcs of Hellgate Keep, six hundred years ago (882-3 DR). Many Ironforge Defenders perished in the great battles against the Tanarukk - at Adakmi, the last citadel of dying Eaerlann, and then at Yaunaroth, guarding the Retreat of the Dwarves through Bleached Bones Pass. According to family legend, the Ironforge banner was the last dwarven standard seen upon the walls of Citadel Yaunaroth before it fell. The survivors fled south with the other clans, skirting the Marsh of Chelmber. They received some aid from Evereska in their bitter trek, eventually reaching Scornubel where they scattered to seek what fortune they could. The Ironforge moved east to the Kingdom of Cormyr, resuming their trade of smithcraft, but never forgetting the glories of Ammarindar...

Graypeak Mountains

This eastern mountain range separates the Fallen Lands from the Gray Vale. The range is named for the tribes of gray skinned stone giants who dwell here. Most of its mineral wealth was removed thousands of years past during the Kingdom of Ammarindar. The easternmost mountains of the Interior are known to offer the richest concentration of griffons in all Faerûn. Cloud giant castles are sometimes seen drifting over these eastern peaks, and every so often, dragons are seen in full, magnificent flight among the clouds, winging their lone and splendid ways into or out of the most remote peaks. Travelers in this region should beware of attacks from orcs, bugbears, goblins, monsters of all sorts, barbarians, and large expeditions mounted by the Cult of the Dragon to seek dragons and their treasures in the high valleys. Large groups of travelers should never camp without at least a triple watch. Fires should be doused, for their light calls death from miles away. Lone travelers are advised to break their scent by crossing water several times, and to sleep on a rocky height, or better, on a ledge sheltered from above.

Bleached Bones Pass

This pass once connected Dekanter with the Vale of Naurogloth, Citadel Yaunaroth, and Illefarn far to the west, but few use it now. The pass draws its name from piles of sun whitened dwarf and orc

bones that line the trail. Numerous small, crude orc strongholds dot the slopes of the pass, warring constantly with one another. Recently (1479-80 DR) the Glintshield Dwarves have re-established control of much of the Pass.

Dawntreader Gap

This pass toward Llorkh through the Greypeak Mountains is steeper and more demanding than Bleached Bones Pass to the south, but easier to defend.

More correctly, these are the Mines of Dekanter, ruins of lost Netheril. In ancient days, the mines of Dekanter provided the realm with adamantine. As the mines were worked out, Netherese mages used them for research, to isolate the effects of new spells, and to store magical paraphernalia. When Netheril fell, all was abandoned, and the mines became an extensive crumbling ruin surrounded by low hills (talus piles from the mines). Above the hills, gaping holes and hidden entrances open on the dark mysteries within. The magic that once filled Dekanter is long depleted, and it now serves as home to goblins, gargoyles, and others. A tribe of 500 goblins and 50 gargoyles live in the mines, known minions of the Beast Lord. The Beast Lord is an illithilich who has created a variety of unnatural monsters to do his bidding, and has managed to take over the surrounding area.

M5 1480 DR: Illithilich is waging a losing war against the Shadovar forces of Returned Netheril under the
Shade Prince Melagaunt Tanthul, who are seeking to secure the mines. Melagaunt commands Melagaunt's Legion of Shadovar & Shade Knights, Netherese infantry, and a small cadre of Shadar-Kai scouts and spies. At full strength the Legion musters 3,000 strong.M6 1480 DR: Having destroyed the Illithilich and secured the Mines of Dekanter, Melagaunt turns to aiding the Glintshield Dwarves in destroying the Severed Eye Orcs and securing the Vale of Naurogloth.

Monday, 1 August 2011

Town of Loudwater
Population 2,000+
Ruler: Lady Moonfire, High Lord of Loudwater
Settlement Wealth Limit: 840gp - items up to level 9 (4200gp) can be sold for 20% of list price.Loudwater NPCsForgotten Realms Wiki Entry

History - from frWiki.

The great dwarven craftsman Iirikos Stoneshoulder of Ammarindar built an ornate bridge across the Delimbiyr River in 149 DR for elven friends of his, at a time when Ammarindar ruled the Shining Vale south of the High Forest, but much of the population was elven. These elves, who were members of two moon elf families who followed Labelas Enoreth, built a school of philosophy on the north bank of the river. Constructing homes around the school, which they named the Velti’Enorethal, the site grew into a small town. The population grew again when Earlannisun elves applied to join the school. Later, humans descended from the survivors of Netheril
discovered the town and built their own houses, bringing human ideals
to the expanding settlement. Most of the humans lived separately
from the elves on the south bank of the river. The first Green Regents of Mielikki are said to have appeared at this time.
In 882-3 DR shield dwarves and wood elves fleeing from the fall of Eaerlann and Ammarindar swelled Loudwater's population. In 884 DR a small group of Tanarukk reached the north side of Loudwater, sacked the Velti’Enorethal school of philosophy, and killed many. The last of these Tanarukk were killed on the Stoneshoulder bridge by dwarves, elves and humans fighting together. Attempts were later made to re-found the School, but northern Loudwater never fully recovered.
In 1100 DR the remaining elves began slowly leaving their homes for Evereska, and the north bank of Loudwater was slowly abandoned.
In 1150 DR, fifty years later, a family of mages from Calimshan called the Renshas conquered the Delimbiyr Vale,
centering their power in Loudwater. Though they made Loudwater a much
more prosperous town by exploiting the Vale's natural resources and
expanding its limits, they despoiled much of the pristine beauty of the
area and the amoral Renshas also committed several atrocities in pursuit
of their art, including the killing of Unicorns. The Renshas ruled for 165 years (1150-1315 DR) before a Nimbrali mercenary working for them named Nanathlor Greysword rebelled against their rule after receiving a message from Mielikki who was angered at the Rensha's actions within the Vale, which she considered sacred. Nanathlor became the first Green Regent since the coming of the Renshas.
The two-year long War of the Returned Regent
(1315-17 DR) freed the Vale from Rensha rule and Nanathlor,was acclaimed as ruler of
Loudwater. He ruled in relative peace for 52 years (1317-1372 DR) (though only the first four as Green Regent) until Malaritelycanthropes
attacked the city after a blood red moon appeared in the sky over the
Vale. Nanathlor himself was on his deathbed but the citizenry, led by a
young man named Stedd Rein saved the town when Stedd opened his father's
stock of silvered weapons. Kalahar Twohands,
Gauntlet of the western marches, replaced Nanathlor, who didn't survive
to see his city saved. Kalahar oversaw the most turbulent years in
Loudwater's history since the war. A mass migration of orcs, threats from a bandit army and their Illithid allies, dragons and several attacks from the Zhentarim.
Along with Secomber,
Loudwater was the only settlement of any size in the Gray Vale to survive the effects of
the 1385 DR Spellplague, though now much reduced in size.

KEY

1. Town Gates A large gateway leads under a tall wall and opens onto the streets of Loudwater. Several bored-looking guards stand watch at the entrance. Two iron gates, East Gate and West Gate, comprise the town’s primary entrances. These gates stand open during the day, leaving a 20-by-20-foot path that leads through the wall and into the town. A walkway crosses over the opening, connecting either side of the wall. Two towers, which are part of the wall, rise 40 feet above a gate. West Gate and East Gate are closed and locked at night, though they are opened for people leaving the town. Each of the gates is staffed by a group of four guards. Lone travelers and small groups can enter and exit for free; traders and merchants pay 5 sp per wagon or cart. Monsters and creatures that resemble monsters are refused entry.

2. South Square Carts and tents surround a large communal well in the center of this plaza. The citizens of Loudwater bustle about the area, shopping for food, clothing, and crafts. Caravanners and river merchants set up carts and tents along the southern wall near the town’s permanent shops. People looking for food, supplies, and miscellaneous items might find what they’re looking for here.

3. Garwan’s Curiosities A sign bearing the image of a unicorn horn, an hourglass, and the words “Garwan’s Curiosities” hangs at the front of this store. Windows provide a view of bizarre items, including a shrunken head, candy wrapped in colorful leaves, playing cards, smoking accessories, fancifully decorated tankards, and more. Locals visit Garwan’s to find interesting gifts or to sell off junk in which Garwan sees value. Strange items lie tucked away in the dusty nooks of this shop, though few pieces are of any real value. However, sometimes rare items pass through Garwan’s, and a lucky customer comes away with a valuable treasure. Thus, a stop at Garwan’s Curiosities remains a favorite diversion among locals, especially Loudwater’s youth. Garwan: Garwan is a white-bearded, wizened man, and he is happy to let customers browse while he sits at the counter puffing on a prodigious pipe.

4. Starra’s Knives This dimly lit shop smells of oil and steel. The southern wall has a large display containing hundreds of different knives and daggers. No other place in Loudwater offers a better selection of knives, daggers, and other small bladed weapons. Many of the blades on display have accompanying names and stories, though the veracity of these embellishments is doubtful. Deanna “Starra” Starr: The proprietor of the knife shop is Deanna Starr, though most people just call her “Starra.” Folks say that Starra hails from Tethyr, but they know little else about her.

Shopping: A visit to the shop is 50% likely to turn up a +1 dagger for around 250-300gp, and 25% likely to turn up a +1 or +2 enchanted dagger or similar of level 2-9 (d8+1) at 25% under list price, checking once/week for both.

5. Green Tankard Tavern A sign with a green-painted tankard of ale proclaims the nature of this establishment. The tavern’s large common room holds a gregarious group that includes townspeople, riverboat folk, merchants, farmers, and one or two individuals wearing the badges of the Loudwater Patrol. Called simply “the Tankard” by locals, this roomy inn and tavern serves as the public house for the southern portion of Loudwater; the Fisher’s Friend pub (area 15) serves the northern part of the town, including the docks. The Tankard offers beer, spirits, and a variety of expensive wines. Meals are available throughout the day, and rooms can be rented for overnight stays. Regulars and travelers alike gather each day to drink, gossip, sing, and engage in games of chance. Marsh Laval: This loud, talkative halfling is the Tankard’s proprietor. He enjoys sitting back to tell a long story, even to the exclusion of other patrons who are waiting for his service. He is aided by his barmaids Holly and Penny.22/6/180 Quinn: Marsh
escorts you through the kitchens, saying hello to two female halfling
cooks. Marsh: "This is Brenda and Wanda, my cousins. Ladies, meet Quinn
Eventide." The cooks greet Quinn affably. Marsh escorts Quinn to a door
and into his low-ceilinged chamber. Marsh: "Here's my books... As you
can see, I normally clear around fifty to a hundred each month, after
wages and costs. The servers and cooks get five silvers a day each,
that's fifteen gold a month. Usually two cooks and three servers, so
seventy-five gold between them, but I'm short a server right now. I have
the freehold on the property. The whole business with the property is
worth around six thousand I reckon, but you can have it for four grand."From
what Quinn knows, Marsh's wages are around double to treble the typical
going rates she's used to - a house maid or scullion typically earns
around 3gp a month with accommodation, tavern staff earn more as it's
harder work, but 6gp-9gp is typical for a good serving maid or skilled
cook. Either Pamela Bardew must be earning a lot at the Fisher's Friend
for Algrim to have lured her away from the Green Tankard, or else she
just prefers working on her back to working on her feet... (compare
Northwood Manor wages - 2gp/month per servant & 6gp/month per
soldier, bed & board not counted).

6. Loudwater General A hanging sign shows this large building to be Loudwater General. From other signs on the storefront, the place appears to carry everyday goods necessary to those living on the frontier. A person can purchase tools, clothing, food, drink, simple melee and ranged weapons, ammunition, and adventuring gear at this store. In Loudwater General, characters can find items from the Player’s Handbook of 30 gp value or less. Calla Maran: The one-handed proprietor, Calla Maran, runs the general store with the help of her stockboy, Raumandar.

7. Stables The earthy scent of hay and manure is strong in this wide building. The whinny of horses and the snort of oxen indicates that the building houses many beasts of burden. Carts, wagons, and other transports are also parked nearby. Mounts can be kept here for 2 sp per day. Riding horses can also be bought and sold at the stables. Darden, Dred, and Drer: These three brothers own the stables. They are the nephews of Garwan, who owns Garwan’s Curiosities. They manage the facility and employ several assistants who feed, water, brush, clean, and care for the animals.

8. Loudwater Smithy The clank of metal on metal, the hiss of steam, and the roar of flames issues through the open door of this establishment. A hammer and anvil decorate a sign hanging over the door. Here characters can purchase a variety of metallic wares, including weapons and armor. The smithy doesn’t have any martial weapons in stock, but custom requests can be fulfilled within several days. Megana Nistral: The master smith is a brawny human female as broad as a dwarf. Megana’s hearty laugh competes with the hammering beats of her great mallet. She employs several apprentice smiths who are in awe of the woman’s stature and blacksmithing ability.

9. Loudwater Apothecary A sign displaying several oddly shaped bottles hangs over the door of this shop. A dozen different scents waft through the doorway, including tangy musk, cinnamon spice, orange peel, baking bread, and gunpowder. In the apothecary, one might find powdered unicorn horn, dragon claws, and burnt-out Ioun stones. However, the worth or authenticity of many such products is questionable. The apothecary also carries more mundane products, including herbs, roots, and spices, which are mainstays of Loudwater’s cooks and hedge wizards. Tanara Cothwick: The woman rescued from the Shadow Lair was given ownership and the previous apothecary Brosha Manx was exiled (M7 1479 DR).

Shopping: Tanara Cothwick usually has several hundred gp worth of arcane reagants in stock, and can create more of these and other ritual components from raw supplies. She knows many Alchemical Formulas (AV pg 20) and can be commissioned to create Potions and Alchemical Items (AV pg 21) at base price, 1/day. Level is unlimited provided she has the components available.She normally has the following in stock:

Alchemist's Acid Level 1: 20gp/vial - 2d4 vials

Alchemist's Fire Level 1: 20gp/vial - 2d4 vials

Alchemist's FireLevel 1+ Common: When shattered, this flask fills an area with alchemical flame. Power (Fire) Consumable (Minor Action) Make an attack: Area burst 1 within 10; +4 vs. Reflex; on a hit, deal 1d6 fire damage; on a miss, deal half damage.

10. Patrol Headquarters The symbol of a crossed sword and axe is blazoned high on this building. The clangs of metal and shouts from within indicate a fight might be underway. This building is the headquarters for the Loudwater Patrol, and it is where Loudwater’s militia comes to train. The members of the militia practice twice per tenday with their fellow volunteers; members of the patrol practice with greater frequency. On average about four Patrol members are on duty at any one time. Each patrol is commanded by one of four leaders. All are under the purview of Captain Harrowleaf. Captain Harrowleaf: The head of the Loudwater Patrol is easygoing and remains calm and confident even in the midst of a crisis. He is an elf ranger.

11. Tenements and Homes These dwellings crowd together within the walls, taking advantage of all available space. The buildings vary in quality; some appear well kept and house only one family, while others contain many families that have squeezed in together. Hundreds of people live within the protection of Loudwater’s walls. Some live in multitenant apartments, while more affluent folk possess small houses. The apartments mostly hold farmers, fishers, laborers, and craftspeople who are too poor to own land.

12. Temple A temple is separated from the shops, homes, and tenements of Loudwater by a small hedge. The vine-covered walls of the temple rise high above the walls of Loudwater, and the spire’s tip appears to reach a full 100 feet above the ground. The symbol of an oak leaf gleams with its own emerald light above the grand archway leading into the temple. This temple is sacred to Silvanus the Treefather, though worshipers of other benign faiths are also welcome. The temple is holy ground. The interior walls are painted to resemble the sky, and the main floor is one expansive area dominated by a grassy hill around which a crown of trees gently sways in an endless breeze. Brother Griffon: The head of the temple is Brother Griffon. He was an Uthgardt foundling who, after the destruction of his tribe, was fostered and raised by a Loudwater fisher. His loyalties divided, Griffon bridged the gap by becoming a devotee of Silvanus. Brother Griffon is a black-haired, blue-eyed, and well-muscled human—with his rustic dress, he is sometimes mistaken for an Uthgardt warrior.

13. Docks Gate An inner wall, smaller than the walls surrounding Loudwater, separates the town’s northern dock district from the rest of the town. The gate between the two areas stands open and unguarded. This gate remains open unless the town is attacked from the river, in which case it is closed and protected by guards.

14. Docks Several large log structures in the northeast section of Loudwater store the goods of merchants doing business in the town. By day, people bustle about the area, transferring barrels and crates between the storehouses and trade ships. The docks are small and allow only a limited number of ships to moor. Several small fishing boats vie with larger ships for space along the docks. By night, raucous noises issue from the Fisher's Friend pub situated along the west wall. Between the docks, storehouses, boats, and pub, this district is active regardless of the time.

Rivermaster Sarl: The rivermaster sees to it that ships are loaded and unloaded, fees are levied and collected, dock space is reserved and transferred, and the docks are managed efficiently. Sarl is a thin, weathered man who has more gray hair than brown; however, his energy never seems to ebb.

15. Fisher’s Friend Pub The overwhelming odor of spirits and smoke wreathes this tavern. Calloused dockworkers and fishers drink and gamble away their pay. Wizened old men and women sip their ale in silence, waiting for an opportunity to tell a tale of the river. This pub attracts a rougher crowd than the Green Tankard does. Most folks come to the Fisher’s Friend to drink and gamble rather than to socialize. The upper rooms of the Fisher's Friend serve as a 'Fest Hall' (brothel). Algrim's barmaids double as harlots who service Loudwater's docks, frequented by river sailors but avoided by respectable locals. The Fisher's Friend is owned and run by Algrim Thane, a big man handy with fists or knobbled club. He was aided by Chastity Blair, who managed the 'Fest Hall' (brothel) operation. Chastity was the more ruthless of the pair. M3 1480 DR: Revealed to be a Snaketongue cultist and spy for Najara, she did not survive interrogation by Lady Moonfire.

The three girls currently working as barmaids/prostitutes at the Fisher's Friend Festhall are:

1. Kathy Brooke of Brooke Manor, the runaway estranged daughter of Sir Halvard Brooke of Brownstone (M3 1479 DR). He has disowned her. Since the demise of Chastity (M3 1480), Kathy has managed the Festhall under Algrim.2. Maggie Arkwright (half-elf), a former bargee girl who survived the river-pirate attack on her barge (1477 DR) by jumping into the water and swimming ashore.

3. Tammy of Hill Farm, only survivor of a brigand raid on her farmstead (1478 DR).

16. Manor House This grand manor house is a jewel of dwarven craftsmanship. The building includes its own stable, buttery, and servants’ home. The manor appears to be over two hundred years old, and it looks as though it might weather another two hundred. Built by a dwarf artisan for a self-styled elf lord, this manor house was the seed from which modern Loudwater grew. The mansion is currently home to a family of half-elves descended from the original lord.

Lady Eclara Moonfire: This half-elf warlock is the head of the town, the High Lord of Loudwater. According to old rumours, crypts beneath the Manor are haunted by the restless remains of former High Lords, some of whom, the Rensha Lords of Calimshan, it's said 'dabbled in dark magics'. Lady Moonfire, of course, wouldn't have anything to do with that sort of thing...

Curuvar the Brazen's manse is close to the Manor.

Shopping: Curuvar the Brazen can enchant level 1-10 items (PHB, AV, AV2), but will usually charge a commission over base price (+10-40%, depending on flattery!)

17. Run-Down Tenement (ex Lady of Shadows) This decrepit, abandoned tenement building sits dejectedly in Loudwater’s northwestern corner. No doors or windows keep out the elements or the squatters.

About Me

Loudwater area, 2 miles/hex

Eastern Gray Vale 2 miles/hex

"My first husband Connor, he died fighting for what he believed in... He wouldn't yield to the Naarash, wouldn't join them... When the Banites killed him, I lost hope. But you've given me back hope, Lady Lirael. You, and our Lady Amara." Willa takes her baby from her back, holds him proudly. "Little Connor here, he'll grow up a free man, 'cos of you, milady."- Willa Wilsams-wife